3 Popular Apps Among International Gen Z! Insights from a PR Planner on the Forefront of Trends 👀

Hello! I am Ya, a PR Planner.

At SUNNY SIDE UP, we handle numerous projects involving not only domestic clients in Japan but also international ones. For instance, we have managed PR for apps and services popular among international Gen Z, such as the social media app “Snapchat” and the dating app “Tinder.”

While working on such projects, I often research the apps used by international Gen Z. I realized that this information is incredibly important for understanding trends that may eventually permeate Japan…

Therefore, in this article, I would like to introduce some apps that international Gen Z are currently obsessed with and explore the reasons behind their popularity 👀

◾️ 3 Popular Apps Among International Gen Z

What kind of apps are Gen Z around the world currently enthusiastic about?

As a generation connected via smartphones, new types of apps that differ slightly from conventional social media are appearing one after another!

1. noplace
A New Type of Social Media for Connecting in Virtual Spaces

“noplace” allows users to connect with friends in a virtual space.
Launched in July 2024, it quickly rose to the number one spot on the U.S. App Store rankings and became a hot topic.

The app features the ability to enter a 3D virtual space using avatars, where users can enjoy conversations and games with friends, interacting as if they were hanging out in a real-world setting.

Furthermore, on your personal page, you can decorate with your favorite colors, music, books, and MBTI types to freely express your individuality.

Nowadays, major social media platforms like X and Instagram make it difficult for friends’ posts to appear on timelines due to algorithmic issues. In contrast, the popularity of “noplace” stems from the ability to create a “top 10 friends” list, allowing for close connections within that circle.

Gen Z favors social media that offers pop visuals and experiential elements rather than just text and photos.

The appeal of noplace lies in the ability to share a “virtual yet realistic space” with friends, making them feel close even when they cannot meet in person.

2. Dtto (Dcard)
An Easy-to-Use Anonymous Community App from Taiwan

“Dtto” is a highly popular social media platform said to be used by 90% of university students in Taiwan.
“Dtto” is the name of the Japanese version; in Taiwan, it is widely known as “Dcard.”

Its most prominent feature is undoubtedly its anonymity!

Many people may feel that on their usual social media, they are connected to too many people across various relationships, making it difficult to share honest thoughts, concerns, or even casual, everyday musings. The key point that has captured the hearts of Gen Z is that “Dtto” provides a space where privacy is protected, allowing users to post comfortably without worrying about the eyes of friends or those around them.

Another secret to its popularity is the circle function for specific topics, which allows users to join groups based on their favorite subjects or hobbies and connect with people who share common interests.

3. Jagat
A Location-Based App for Real-Time Connections with Friends

The final app I will introduce is “Jagat.”
This is a social media platform that allows for real-time location sharing, enabling users to see exactly where their friends are on a map. This makes it convenient for meeting up or creating natural opportunities to meet in person, such as saying, “I’m nearby, let’s get together!”

That said, location sharing can be turned on or off at any time. It can also be set to show only to specific friends, ensuring that privacy is well-protected and providing peace of mind.

They want to see the people they want to see immediately. Conversely, while meeting up might be a bit of a hassle, they don’t feel lonely because they are always connected within the app. For Gen Z, who value such slightly complex and free-form “connections,” the ability to maintain a sense of constant connection while ensuring privacy is likely the key to its popularity.

As digital natives, Gen Z lives their lives deeply involved with apps and social media.

Through apps like “noplace,” “Dtto,” and “Jagat,” I feel we have caught a glimpse of their insights as they search for the best tools to connect more authentically and freely.

It is likely that communication that is more “free, fun, and casual” will continue to spread among Gen Z in Japan as well.

While we focused on apps this time, I hope that learning about international Gen Z trends provides hints for exploring the forefront of next-generation consumer behavior. 🍳

At SUNNY SIDE UP, in addition to the apps introduced here, we handle PR communications for a wide variety of products and services. What can be achieved through the power of communication? We welcome inquiries starting from such simple questions. Please feel free to contact us using the “CONTACT” button below.